Methods and systems for testing ability to conduct a research operation

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for testing an ability of a Portable User Appliance (PUA) and/or a research data gathering system coupled therewith are disclosed. A method for testing an ability of a PUA to carry out a research operation, comprises communicating a testing message to the PUA and/or research data gathering system coupled therewith, the testing message comprising one of a test command to test its ability to carry out a research operation, and test data to establish, enable or provide a capability thereof to test its ability to carry out a research operation.

CROSS-RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 60/751,825, filed Dec. 20, 2005, in the names of Alan R.Neuhauser, Vijoy K. Gopalakrishnan, Jack C. Crystal, Jack K. Zhang, andEugene L. Flanagan III.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumers have many more options for obtaining and reproducing media nowthan in the past. In particular, portable devices provide multipleoptions for accessing and playing media, such as audio and videodownloads, various types of media from web sites, and so on.

There is also a convergence of personal communications capabilities andmultimedia options in a single portable device, such as a cellulartelephone, a personal digital assistant, and the like. Increasingly,consumers are accessing and consuming media “on the go” and out-of-homeusing such portable devices, and as the quality of media presented bysuch devices is improved, it can be expected that such mobileconsumption of media will increase.

These trends in media usage require new techniques for monitoringexposure to media, techniques that will enable data gatheringencompassing various types of media and ways of presenting media toconsumers.

Dedicated portable monitoring devices have been developed including thehardware and software required to monitor exposure to audio media. Ithas been proposed to monitor exposure of consumers to audio media byincorporating monitoring software in a cellular telephone, making use ofthe cellular telephone's hardware, including its microphone, CPU, memorycapacity and communications capabilities.

However, since cellular telephones and other personal user appliancesare not designed for the purpose of sampling the exposure of consumersto audio media, but rather this is an ancillary function to their basiccommunications operations, the hardware and operating system of thedevice cannot necessarily be substituted for that of a dedicatedmonitoring device without encountering unforeseeable technical problems.

DISCLOSURE

For this application the following terms and definitions shall apply:

The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks,symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physicalform or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary,whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagneticor otherwise manifested. The term “data” as used to representpredetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed toencompass any and all representations of corresponding information in adifferent physical form or forms.

The terms “media data” and “media” as used herein mean data which iswidely accessible, whether over-the-air, or via cable, satellite,network, internetwork (including the Internet), print, displayed,distributed on storage media, or by any other means or technique that ishumanly perceptible, without regard to the form or content of such data,and including but not limited to audio, video, text, images, animations,databases, files, broadcasts, displays (including but not limited tovideo displays, posters and billboards), signs, signals, web pages,print media and streaming media data.

The term “presentation data” shall mean media data or content other thanmedia data to be presented to a user.

The term “research data” as used herein means data comprising (1) dataconcerning usage of media, (2) data concerning exposure to media, and/or(3) market research data.

The terms “gather” and “gathering” as used herein include both directlygathering data with the use of a device as well as emitting data from adevice that causes or enables another device to gather data.

The term “research operation” as used herein means an operationcomprising gathering, storing and/or communicating research data.

The term “database” as used herein means an organized body of relateddata, regardless of the manner in which the data or the organized bodythereof is represented. For example, the organized body of related datamay be in the form of a table, a map, a grid, a packet, a datagram, afile, an e-mail, a message, a document, a list or in any other form.

The term “network” as used herein includes both networks andinternetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limitedto any particular network or internetwork.

The terms “first,” “second,” “primary,” and “secondary” are used hereinto distinguish one element, set, data, object, step, process, function,action or thing from another, and are not used to designate relativeposition, arrangement in time or relative importance, unless otherwisestated explicitly.

The terms “coupled”, “coupled to”, and “coupled with” as used hereineach mean a relationship between or among two or more devices,apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes,programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, and/ormeans, constituting any one or more of (a) a connection, whether director through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, circuits,elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components,networks, systems, subsystems, or means, (b) a communicationsrelationship, whether direct or through one or more other devices,apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes,programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means,and/or (c) a functional relationship in which the operation of any oneor more devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions,operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems,subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on the operation ofany one or more others thereof.

The terms “communicate”, and “communicating” as used herein include bothconveying data from a source to a destination, and delivering data to acommunications medium, system, channel, device, wire, cable, fiber,circuit or link to be conveyed to a destination, and the term“communication” as used herein means data so conveyed or delivered. Theterm “communications’ as used herein includes one or more of acommunications medium, system, channel, device, wire, cable, fiber,circuit and link.

The term “processor” as used herein means processing devices, apparatus,programs, circuits, components, systems and subsystems, whetherimplemented in hardware, software or both, and whether or notprogrammable. The term “processor” as used herein includes, but is notlimited to computers, hardwired circuits, signal modifying devices andsystems, devices and machines for controlling systems, centralprocessing units, programmable devices, field programmable gate arrays,application specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip, systemscomprised of discrete elements and circuits, state machines, virtualmachines and combinations of any of the foregoing.

The terms “storage” and “data storage” as used herein mean data storagedevices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems, subsystemsand storage media serving to retain data, whether on a temporary orpermanent basis, and to provide such retained data.

The terms “panelist,” “panel member” and “participant” areinterchangeably used herein to refer to a person who is, knowingly orunknowingly, participating in a study to gather information, whether byelectronic, survey or other means, about that person's activity.

The term “household” as used herein is to be broadly construed toinclude family members, a family living at the same residence, a groupof persons related or unrelated to one another living at the sameresidence, and a group of persons living within a common facility (ofwhich the total number of unrelated persons does not exceed apredetermined number), such as a fraternity house, an apartment or othersimilar structure or arrangement.

The term “portable user appliance” (also referred to herein, forconvenience, by the abbreviation “PUA”) as used herein means anelectrical or non-electrical device capable of being carried by or onthe person of a user or capable of being disposed on or in, or held by,a physical object (e.g., attaché, purse) capable of being carried by oron the user, and having at least one function of primary benefit to suchuser, including without limitation, a cellular telephone, a personaldigital assistant (“PDA”), a Blackberry device, a radio, a television, agame system (e.g., a Gameboy® device), a notebook computer, a laptopcomputer, a GPS device, an iPod® device, a DVD player, a walkie talkie,a personal communications device, a telematics device, a remote controldevice, a wireless headset, a wristwatch, a portable data storage device(e.g., Thumb™ drive), a camera, a recorder, a keyless entry transmitterdevice, a ring, a comb, a pen, a pencil, a notebook, a wallet, a tool,an implement, a pair of glasses, an article of clothing, a belt, a beltbuckle, a fob, an article of jewelry, an ornamental article, a pair ofshoes or other foot garment (e.g., sandals), a jacket, and a hat, aswell as any devices combining any of the foregoing or their functions.

The term “activation message” as used herein shall mean data comprisingat least one of (1) an activation command for a PUA for activating acapability of the PUA to perform a research operation, (2) activationdata for a PUA for enabling and/or providing a capability of the PUA toperform a research operation, (3) visual display data for a PUAincluding a message soliciting participation of a user of the PUA in aresearch operation, (4) activation request data for a PUA requestingactivation, enablement or installation of a capability thereof toperform a research operation, (5) a message for a user of a PUArequesting an action thereof to activate, enable and/or install acapability of the PUA to perform a research operation, and/or providinginstructions for participating in a research operation automatically bymeans of a PUA, (6) a message for a user of a PUA providing or offeringto provide a benefit to the user in exchange for the user'sparticipation in a research operation, and (7) a message to a PUA and/ora user of a PUA requesting communication of a participation message inresponse.

The term “maintenance message” as used herein shall mean data comprisingat least one of (1) a test command for a PUA to control an operationthereof to test its operational status or ability to perform a researchoperation, (2) test data for a PUA to establish, enable or provide acapability thereof to test its operational status or ability to performa research operation, (3) a message requesting a response from a user ofa PUA identifying such user, and/or providing demographic or otheruser-specific data of the user, (4) a message requesting system data ofthe PUA, and (5) a command or request for a PUA to perform a researchoperation.

The term “termination message” as used herein shall mean data comprisingat least one of: (1) a deactivation message for a PUA to deactivate acapability thereof to perform a research operation; (2) a deactivationmessage for a user of a PUA instructing them to deactivate a capabilityof the PUA to perform a research operation; and (3) providing a benefitto a person as a final consideration for the person's previousparticipation in a research operation, or notifying the person that sucha benefit will be or has been provided.

The term “participation message” as used herein shall mean datacomprising at least one of (1) research data gathered automatically by aPUA, (2) a message from a PUA indicating an operational status orability thereof to perform a research operation, or providing results ofa test of such operational status or ability, (3) a message from a userof a PUA concerning participation of the user in a research operation bymeans of a PUA, or ancillary to such participation, such as concerning abenefit provided to the user for such participation or indicatingactivation or deactivation of an ability of a PUA to perform a researchoperation, (4) a message from a user of a PUA identifying such userand/or providing demographic and/or other user-specific data of theuser, (5) a message providing system data of the PUA, (6) a message froma benefit provider concerning a benefit provided or to be provided to auser of a PUA for participation in a research operation, such as amessage indicating receipt of a benefit request or a termination messagerequesting a benefit, and (7) a message from a PUA indicating receiptthereby of an activation message, a maintenance message or a terminationmessage.

Methods and systems are disclosed herein in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PUA modified to carry out researchoperations;

FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram for use in explaining certainembodiments involving the use of the PUA of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a system for setting up, promoting,operating, maintaining and/or terminating research operations with theuse of multiple PUA's, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a PUA in communication with a researchsystem;

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a PUA with a research data monitoraffixed thereto;

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating the PUA of FIG. 2A coupled withthe research data monitor thereof;

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of the research data monitor of FIGS. 2A and2B;

FIG. 2D is a layout diagram of an embodiment of the research datamonitor of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C;

FIG. 2E is a block diagram of a PUA communicating with the research datamonitor of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a personal digital assistant (PDA) modifiedto carry out research operations;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an external storage device modified tocarry out research operations;

FIG. 5 illustrates a pen in phantom lines, having a research datacollection system therein which serves to carry out research operations;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the research data collection system of FIG.5; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an advantageous signature extractiontechnique.

A method for testing an ability of a PUA and/or a research datagathering system coupled therewith to carry out a research operation,comprises communicating a testing message to the PUA and/or the researchdata gathering system comprising at least one of a test command for thePUA and/or the research data gathering system to test its ability tocarry out a research operation, and test data for the PUA and/or theresearch data gathering system to establish, enable or provide acapability thereof to test its ability to carry out a researchoperation.

A method implemented in a PUA and/or in a research data gathering systemcoupled therewith for testing an ability of at least one thereof tocarry out a research operation, comprises receiving a testing message inat least one of the PUA and the research data gathering system, thetesting message comprising at least one of a test command for the PUAand/or the research data gathering system to test its ability to carryout a research operation, and test data for the PUA and/or the researchdata gathering system to establish, enable or provide a capabilitythereof to test its ability to carry out a research operation, andcarrying out a test of the ability of the PUA and/or the research datagathering system to carry out a research operation based on the at leastone of the test command and the test data.

A method of testing an ability of a research data gathering systemimplemented in a PUA, or coupled therewith, to carry out a researchoperation, comprises conducting a test of the research data gatheringsystem to produce test results data indicating an ability of theresearch data gathering system to carry out a research operation, andcommunicating the test results data from the PUA to a test dataprocessing facility.

Numerous types of research operations are possible, including, withoutlimitation, television and radio program audience measurement; exposureto advertising in various media, such as television, radio, print andoutdoor advertising, among others; consumer spending habits; consumershopping habits including the particular retail stores and otherlocations visited during shopping and recreational activities; travelpatterns, such as the particular routes taken between home and work, andother locations; consumer attitudes, awareness and preferences; and soon. For the desired type of media and/or market research operation to beconducted, particular activity of individuals is monitored, or dataconcerning their attitudes, awareness and/or preferences is gathered. Incertain embodiments research data relating to two or more of theforegoing are gathered, while in others only one kind of such data isgathered.

Various monitoring techniques are suitable. For example, televisionviewing or radio listening habits, including exposure to commercialstherein, are monitored utilizing a variety of techniques. In certaintechniques, acoustic energy to which an individual is exposed ismonitored to produce data which identifies or characterizes a program,song, station, channel, commercial, etc. that is being watched orlistened to by the individual. Where audio media includes ancillarycodes that provide such information, suitable decoding techniques areemployed to detect the encoded information, such as those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,450,490 and No. 5,764,763 to Jensen, et al., U.S. Pat.No. 5,579,124 to Aijala, et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,574,962, 5,581,800 and5,787,334 to Fardeau, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,180 to Neuhauser, etal., U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,355 to Kolessar, et al., U.S. Pat. No.6,845,360 to Jensen, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,735 to Preuss et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,191 to Lee, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,627 toPetrovich et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,325 to Wolosewicz et al., U.S.Pat. No. 6,154,484 to Lee et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,932 to Smith etal., US 2001/0053190 to Srinivasan, US 2003/0110485 to Lu, et al., U.S.Pat. No. 5,737,025 to Dougherty, et al., US 2004/0170381 to Srinivasan,and WO 06/14362 to Srinivasan, et al., all of which hereby areincorporated by reference herein.

Examples of techniques for encoding ancillary codes in audio, and forreading such codes, are provided in Bender, et al., “Techniques for DataHiding”, IBM Systems Journal, Vol. 35, Nos. 3 & 4, 1996, which isincorporated herein in its entirety. Bender, et al. disclose a techniquefor encoding audio termed “phase encoding” in which segments of theaudio are transformed to the frequency domain, for example, by adiscrete Fourier transform (DFT), so that phase data is produced foreach segment. Then the phase data is modified to encode a code symbol,such as one bit. Processing of the phase encoded audio to read the codeis carried out by synchronizing with the data sequence, and detectingthe phase encoded data using the known values of the segment length, theDFT points and the data interval.

Bender, et al. also describe spread spectrum encoding and decoding, ofwhich multiple embodiments are disclosed in the above-cited Aijala, etal. U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,124.

Still another audio encoding and decoding technique described by Bender,et al. is echo data hiding in which data is embedded in a host audiosignal by introducing an echo. Symbol states are represented by thevalues of the echo delays, and they are read by any appropriateprocessing that serves to evaluate the lengths and/or presence of theencoded delays.

A further technique, or category of techniques, termed “amplitudemodulation” is described in R. Walker, “Audio Watermarking”, BBCResearch and Development, 2004. In this category fall techniques thatmodify the envelope of the audio signal, for example by notching orotherwise modifying brief portions of the signal, or by subjecting theenvelope to longer term modifications. Processing the audio to read thecode can be achieved by detecting the transitions representing a notchor other modifications, or by accumulation or integration over a timeperiod comparable to the duration of an encoded symbol, or by anothersuitable technique.

Another category of techniques identified by Walker involvestransforming the audio from the time domain to some transform domain,such as a frequency domain, and then encoding by adding data orotherwise modifying the transformed audio. The domain transformation canbe carried out by a Fourier, DCT, Hadamard, Wavelet or othertransformation, or by digital or analog filtering. Encoding can beachieved by adding a modulated carrier or other data (such as noise,noise-like data or other symbols in the transform domain) or bymodifying the transformed audio, such as by notching or altering one ormore frequency bands, bins or combinations of bins, or by combiningthese methods. Still other related techniques modify the frequencydistribution of the audio data in the transform domain to encode.Psychoacoustic masking can be employed to render the codes inaudible orto reduce their prominence. Processing to read ancillary codes in audiodata encoded by techniques within this category typically involvestransforming the encoded audio to the transform domain and detecting theadditions or other modifications representing the codes.

A still further category of techniques identified by Walker involvesmodifying audio data encoded for compression (whether lossy or lossless)or other purpose, such as audio data encoded in an MP3 format or otherMPEG audio format, AC-3, DTS, ATRAC, WMA, RealAudio, Ogg Vorbis, APTX100, FLAC, Shorten, Monkey's Audio, or other. Encoding involvesmodifications to the encoded audio data, such as modifications to codingcoefficients and/or to predefined decision thresholds. Processing theaudio to read the code is carried out by detecting such modificationsusing knowledge of predefined audio encoding parameters.

It will be appreciated that various known encoding techniques may beemployed, either alone or in combination with the above-describedtechniques. Such known encoding techniques include, but are not limitedto FSK, PSK (such as BPSK), amplitude modulation, frequency modulationand phase modulation.

In some cases a signature is extracted from transduced media data foridentification by matching with reference signatures of known mediadata. Suitable techniques for this purpose include those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,612,729 to Ellis, et al. and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,398to Thomas, et al., each of which is assigned to the assignee of thepresent application and both of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

Still other suitable techniques are the subject of U.S. Pat. No.2,662,168 to Scherbatskoy, U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,479 to Moon, et al., U.S.Pat. No. 4,697,209 to Kiewit, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,677,466 to Lert,et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,933 to Wheatley, et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,955,070 to Welsh, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,730 to Schulze, U.S.Pat. No. 4,843,562 to Kenyon, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,551 to Kenyon,et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,990 to Lert, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,934to Lu, et al., European Published Patent Application EP 0887958 toBichsel and PCT publication WO91/11062 to Young, et al., all of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

An advantageous signature extraction technique transforms audio datawithin a predetermined frequency range to the frequency domain by atransform function, such as an FFT. The FFT data from an even number offrequency bands (for example, eight, ten, sixteen or thirty twofrequency bands) spanning the predetermined frequency range are used twobands at a time during successive time intervals. FIG. 7 provides anexample of how pairs of the bands are selected during successive timeintervals where the total number of bands used is equal to ten. Theselected bands are indicated by an “X”.

When each band is selected, the energy values of the FFT bins withinsuch band and such time interval are processed to form one bit of thesignature. If there are ten FFT's for each interval of the audio signal,for example, the values of all bins of such band within the first fiveFFT's are summed to form a value “A” and the values of all bins of suchband within the last five FFT's are summed to form a value “B”. In thecase of a received broadcast audio signal, the value A is formed fromportions of the audio signal that were broadcast prior to those used toform the value B.

To form a bit of the signature, the values A and B are compared. If B isgreater than A, the bit is assigned a value “1” and if A is greater thanor equal to B, the bit is assigned a value of “0”. Thus, during eachtime interval, two bits of the signature are produced.

One advantageous technique carries out either or both of code detectionand signature extraction remotely from the location where the researchdata is gathered, as disclosed in US Published Patent Application2003/0005430 published Jan. 2, 2003 to Ronald S. Kolessar, which isassigned to the assignee of the present application and is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

If location tracking or exposure to outdoor advertising is carried out,then various techniques for doing so are employed. Suitable techniquesfor location tracking or monitoring exposure to outdoor advertising aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,710 in the names of Jack K. Zhang, JackC. Crystal, and James M. Jensen, issued Oct. 25, 2005, and US PublishedPatent Application 2005/0035857 A1 published Feb. 17, 2005 in the namesof Jack K. Zhang, Jack C. Crystal, James M. Jensen and Eugene L.Flanagan III, filed Aug. 13, 2003, all of which are assigned to theassignee of the present application and hereby incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties.

Where usage of publications, such as periodicals, books, and magazines,is monitored, suitable techniques for doing so are employed, such asthose disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/084,481 in thenames of James M. Jensen, Jack C. Crystal, Alan R. Neuhauser, JackZhang, Daniel W. Pugh, Douglas J. Visnius, and Eugene L. Flanagan III,filed Mar. 18, 2005, which is assigned to the assignee of the presentapplication and hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In addition to those types of research data mentioned above and thevarious techniques identified for gathering such types of data, othertypes of research data may be gathered and other types of techniques maybe employed. For example, research data relating to consumer purchasingconduct, consumer product return conduct, exposure of consumers toproducts and presence and/or proximity to commercial establishments maybe gathered, and various techniques for doing so may be employed.Suitable techniques for gathering data concerning presence and/orproximity to commercial establishments are disclosed in US PublishedPatent Application 2005/0200476 A1 published Sep. 15, 2005 in the namesof David Patrick Forr, James M. Jensen, and Eugene L. Flanagan III,filed Mar. 15, 2004, and in US Published Patent Application 2005/0243784A1 published Nov. 3, 2005 in the names of Joan Fitzgerald, Jack Crystal,Alan Neuhauser, James M. Jensen, David Patrick Forr, and Eugene L.Flanagan III, filed Mar. 29, 2005. Suitable techniques for gatheringdata concerning exposure of consumers to products are disclosed in USPublished Patent Application 2005/0203798 A1 published Sep. 15, 2005 inthe names of James M. Jensen and Eugene L. Flanagan III, filed Mar. 15,2004.

Moreover, techniques involving the active participation of the panelmembers may be used in research operations. For example, surveys may beemployed where a panel member is asked questions utilizing the panelmember's PUA after recruitment. Thus, it is to be understood that boththe exemplary types of research data to be gathered discussed herein andthe exemplary manners of gathering research data as discussed herein areillustrative and that other types of research data may be gathered andthat other techniques for gathering research data may be employed.

Various PUA's already have capabilities sufficient to enable theimplementation of the desired monitoring technique or techniques to beemployed during the research operation. As an example, cellulartelephones have microphones which convert acoustic energy into audiodata. Various cellular telephones further have processing and storagecapability.

In certain embodiments, various existing PUA's are modified merely bysoftware and/or minor hardware changes to carry out a researchoperation. In certain other embodiments, PUA's are redesigned andsubstantially reconstructed for this purpose. In certain embodiments thePUA is coupled with a separate research data gathering system andprovides operations ancillary or complementary thereto.

In certain embodiments, the PUA itself is operative to gather researchdata. In certain embodiments, the PUA emits data that causes anotherdevice to gather research data. Such embodiments include variousembodiments disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,710 and in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/084,481, referenced above. In certainembodiments, the PUA is operative both to gather research data and toemit data that causes another device to gather research data.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PUA 20 (such as a cellular telephone orother data processing and communicating device) modified to carry out aresearch operation. The PUA 20 comprises a processor 30 that isoperative to exercise overall control and to process audio and otherdata for transmission or reception and communications 40 coupled to theprocessor 30 and operative under the control of processor 30 to performthose functions required for establishing and maintaining a two-waywireless communication link with a PUA network. In certain embodiments,processor 30 also is operative to execute applications ancillary orunrelated to the conduct of PUA communications, such as applicationsserving to download audio and/or video data to be reproduced by PUA 20,e-mail clients and applications enabling the user to play games usingthe PUA 20. In certain embodiments, processor 30 comprises two or moreprocessing devices, such as a first processing device (such as a digitalsignal processor) that processes audio, and a second processing devicethat exercises overall control over operation of the PUA 20. In certainembodiments, processor 30 employs a single processing device. In certainembodiments, some or all of the functions of processor 30 areimplemented by hardwired circuitry.

PUA 20 further comprises storage 50 coupled with processor 30 andoperative to store data as needed. In certain embodiments, storage 50comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises multiplestorage devices. In certain embodiments, a single device implementscertain functions of both processor 30 and storage 50.

In addition, PUA 20 comprises a microphone 60 coupled with processor 30to transduce the user's voice to an electrical signal which it suppliesto processor 30 for encoding, and a speaker and/or earphone 70 coupledwith processor 30 to transduce received audio from processor 30 to anacoustic output to be heard by the user. PUA 20 also includes a userinput 80 coupled with processor 30, such as a keypad, to enter telephonenumbers and other control data, as well as a display 90 coupled withprocessor 30 to provide data visually to the user under the control ofprocessor 30.

In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 provides additional functions and/orcomprises additional elements. In certain ones of such embodiments, thePUA 20 provides e-mail, text messaging and/or web access through itswireless communications capabilities, providing access to media andother content. For example, Internet access by the PUA 20 enables accessto video and/or audio content that can be reproduced by the cellulartelephone for the user, such as songs, video on demand, video clips andstreaming media. In certain embodiments, storage 50 stores softwareproviding audio and/or video downloading and reproducing functionality,such as iPod® software, enabling the user to reproduce audio and/orvideo content downloaded from a source, such as a personal computer viacommunications 40 or through direct Internet access via communications40.

To enable PUA 20 to gather research data, namely, data indicatingexposure to audio such as programs, music and advertisements, in certainembodiments research software is installed in storage 50 to controlprocessor 30 to gather such data and communicate it via communications40 to a research organization. The research software in certainembodiments also controls processor 30 to store the data for subsequentcommunication.

In certain embodiments, the research software controls the processor 30to decode ancillary codes in the transduced audio from microphone 60using one or more of the known techniques identified hereinabove, andthen to store and/or communicate the decoded data for use as researchdata indicating encoded audio to which the user was exposed. In certainembodiments, the research software controls the processor 30 to extractsignatures from the transduced audio from microphone 60 using one ormore of the known techniques identified hereinabove, and then to storeand/or communicate the extracted signature data for use as research datato be matched with reference signatures representing known audio todetect the audio to which the user was exposed. In certain embodiments,the research software both decodes ancillary codes in the transducedaudio and extracts signatures therefrom for identifying the audio towhich the user was exposed. In certain embodiments, the researchsoftware controls the processor 30 to store samples of the transducedaudio, either in compressed or uncompressed form for subsequentprocessing either to decode ancillary codes therein or to extractsignatures therefrom. In certain ones of these embodiments, thecompressed or uncompressed audio is communicated to a remote processorfor decoding and/or signature extraction.

Where the PUA 20 possesses functionality to download and/or reproducepresentation data, in certain embodiments, research data concerning theusage and/or exposure to such presentation data as well as audio datareceived acoustically by microphone 60, is gathered by PUA 20 inaccordance with the technique illustrated by the functional blockdiagram of FIG. 1A. Storage 50 of FIG. 1 implements an audio buffer 54for audio data gathered with the use of microphone 60. In certain onesof these embodiments storage 50 implements a buffer 56 for presentationdata downloaded and/or reproduced by PUA 20 to which the user is exposedvia speaker and/or earphone 70 or display 90, or by means of a devicecoupled with PUA 20 to receive the data therefrom to present it to auser. In some of such embodiments, the reproduced data is obtained fromdownloaded data, such as songs, web pages or audio/video data (e.g.,movies, television programs, video clips). In some of such embodiments,the reproduced data is provided from a device such as a broadcast orsatellite radio receiver of the PUA 20 (not shown for purposes ofsimplicity and clarity). In certain ones of these embodiments storage 50implements a buffer 56 for metadata of presentation data reproduced byPUA 20 to which the user is exposed via speaker and/or earphone 70 ordisplay 90, or by means of a device coupled with PUA 20 to receive thedata therefrom to present it to a user. Such metadata can be, forexample, a URL from which the presentation data was obtained, channeltuning data, program identification data, an identification of aprerecorded file from which the data was reproduced, or any data thatidentifies and/or characterizes the presentation data, or a sourcethereof. Where buffer 56 stores audio data, buffers 54 and 56 storetheir audio data (either in the time domain or the frequency domain)independently of one another. Where buffer 56 stores metadata of audiodata, buffer 54 stores its audio data (either in the time domain or thefrequency domain) and buffer 56 stores its metadata, each independentlyof the other.

Processor 30 separately produces research data 58 from the contents ofeach of buffers 54 and 56 which it stores in storage 50. In certain onesof these embodiments, one or both of buffers 54 and 56 is/areimplemented as circular buffers storing a predetermined amount of audiodata representing a most recent time interval thereof as received bymicrophone 60 and/or reproduced by speaker and/or earphone 70, ordownloaded by PUA 20 for reproduction by a different device coupled withPUA 20. Processor 30 extracts signatures and/or decodes ancillary codesin the buffered audio data to produce research data. Where metadata isreceived in buffer 56, in certain embodiments the metadata is used, inwhole or in part, as research data 58, or processed to produce researchdata 58. The research data is thus gathered representing exposure toand/or usage of audio data by the user where audio data is received inacoustic form by the PUA 20 and where presentation data is received innon-acoustic form (for example, as a cellular telephone communication,as an electrical signal via a cable from a personal computer or otherdevice, as a broadcast or satellite signal or otherwise).

In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 is provided with a research datasource 96 coupled by a wired or wireless coupling with processor 30 foruse in gathering further or alternative research data to be communicatedto a research organization. In certain ones of these embodiments, theresearch data source 96 comprises a location data producing device orfunction providing data indicating a location of the PUA 20. Variousdevices appropriate for use as source 96 include a satellite locationsignal receiver, a terrestrial location signal receiver, a wirelessnetworking device that receives location data from a network, aninertial location monitoring device and a location data producingservice provided by a PUA service provider. In certain embodiments,research data source 96 comprises a device or function for monitoringexposure to print media, for determining whether the user is at home orout of home, for monitoring exposure to products, exposure to displays(such as outdoor advertising), presence within or near commercialestablishments, or for gathering research data (such as consumerattitude, preference or opinion data) through the administration of asurvey to the user of the PUA 20. In certain embodiments, research datasource 96 comprises one or more devices for receiving, sensing ordetecting data useful in implementing one or more of the foregoingfunctions, other research data gathering functions and/or for producingdata ancillary to functions of gathering, storing and/or communicatingresearch data, such as data indicating whether the panelist has compliedwith predetermined rules governing the activity or an extent of suchcompliance. Such devices include, but are not limited to, motiondetectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors, proximity detectors,satellite positioning signal receivers, RFID readers, RF receivers,wireless networking transceivers, wireless device coupling transceivers,pressure detectors, deformation detectors, electric field sensors,magnetic field sensors, optical sensors, electrodes, and the like.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a system 100 for setting up, promoting,operating, maintaining and/or terminating research operations with theuse of multiple cellular telephones or other PUA's having communicationscapabilities, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1. For these purposes,the system 100 operates under the control of a processor 110 tocommunicate messages to the PUA 20, and receive communicationstherefrom, by means of communications 120 coupled with processor 110 andwith PUA 20. In certain embodiments, some messages are sent and receivedfor conducting tests. In certain embodiments, communications 120 iscoupled with PUA 20 via a cellular telephone network. In certainembodiments, communications 120 is coupled with PUA 20 via the Internetor other network via a host or device (e.g., a telephone terminal orconnection) able to communicate via such a network coupled with PUA 20,such as a personal computer, or via a wireless link or cable couplingthe PUA 20 with such a network so that the PUA 20 functions as a host ordevice communicating on the network.

Instructions for operating processor 110 as well as research datareceived by the system 100 are stored in storage 130 coupled withprocessor 110. An input device or devices 140 coupled with processor 110enable a user of the system 100 to enter commands and/or data such assystem commands (for example, a system startup command or a command toenter a system maintenance mode), research data and/or software updatesor other modifications. In certain embodiments, some commands are sentfor conducting tests. System 100 in certain embodiments is maintained bya research organization. In certain embodiments, system 100 ismaintained by another entity acting for or on behalf such a researchorganization. The operation of system 100 in cooperation with PUA 20 toset up, promote, operate, maintain and/or terminate research operations,is further described hereinbelow.

In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 as provided to the user storessoftware enabling it to gather, store and/or communicate research data,such as codes and/or signatures indicating exposure to audio media. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the software is inoperative to carryout at least one of such gathering, storing or communicating functionsuntil activated, by an action of the user (such as a command to the PUAentered by the user input 80 of the microphone 60, or data entered bythe user indicating agreement to participate in the research operation)and/or by means of a communication received by the PUA from system 100.In certain ones of such embodiments, the software is enabled when thePUA is provided to the user.

In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 as provided to the user, whilecapable of gathering, storing and/or communicating research data whenappropriate software runs on its processor 30, lacks some or all of suchappropriate software. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA 20 isenabled to gather, store and/or communicate research data by downloadingthe required software from system 100. In certain ones of suchembodiments, in response to a message expressing agreement toparticipate in a research data gathering, storage and/or communicationactivity or a different message from which such agreement can beinferred (such as a download request), the PUA 20 downloads the requiredsoftware from system 100, as well as media data or other content (suchas ring tones, images, audio/video data, or songs), games and/or otheruser software, provided as an incentive for such participation. Thecontent and/or software can be sent from system 100 or from a differentsource. In certain ones of such embodiments, the user installs thesoftware in the PUA 20 from external storage, such as a personalcomputer or external storage device, using a wireless communicationslink, a cable or an interface.

At the time of initiating the user's participation as a member of apanel, and/or from time to time, in certain embodiments a maintenancemessage is communicated by system 100 to the PUA 20 and/or a researchdata gathering system coupled therewith (as described herein below) forone or more purposes. In certain ones of such embodiments, a message iscommunicated by system 100 to the PUA 20 and/or the research datagathering system for testing its ability to gather, store and/orcommunicate research data as presently configured or as it may beconfigured using software and/or hardware to interact with the PUA's orthe research data gathering system's pre-existing software and/orhardware. In certain embodiments, the message is communicated by a thirdparty, such as a cellular telephone service provider. Such messagecomprises a test command to control a test operation of the PUA and/orthe research data gathering system, test data for use in conducting sucha test operation, such as by processing the test data in the processor30, and/or test software to run on processor 30 or a processor of theresearch data gathering system to control it to carry out a testoperation, and which in some cases is stored in storage 50 forsubsequent use. That is, the test data thus provided to the PUA and/orthe research data gathering system serves to establish, enable orprovide a capability thereof to test its ability to carry out a researchoperation. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, test software and/ortest data is stored in the PUA 20 and/or the research data gatheringsystem when it is acquired by the user, or stored therein at asubsequent time, such as a part of software downloaded to or otherwisestored in PUA 20, with or without an action of the user. In certain onesof such embodiments, the PUA 20 communicates a message to system 100 inresponse indicating receipt of the maintenance message. Data providingresults of the test operation is communicated from the PUA 20 to system100, in certain ones of such embodiments, directly from PUA 20 and/orfrom a third party service provider.

In certain embodiments, such a test is conducted in response to apredetermined event, such as the occurrence of an operational conditionof the PUA and/or the research data gathering system indicating adesirability of testing its operational capabilities, or the occurrenceof a predetermined time. In certain embodiments, such a test isconducted in response to receipt of a recruitment message, communicationof a response to the recruitment message or a message requesting that atest be carried out, or at the time of installation, activation orenablement of functionality in PUA 20 to gather, store and/orcommunicate research data. In certain embodiments, such a test iscarried out when the production of data indicates faulty operation orinoperative state. In certain embodiments, the test results arecommunicated to a processing facility.

In certain embodiments, the operation of a clock of the PUA 20 (notshown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) is tested to determine anoffset in its clock rate from a standard. In certain ones of suchembodiments, where the PUA implements a research data gatheringoperation with the use of a function for converting time-domain data(such as time-domain audio data) to frequency-domain data, themaintenance message from system 100 comprises time-domain test datahaving a predetermined frequency content, such as audio data having asingle frequency component. The output of the function is dataindicating a single frequency and any deviation of that single frequencyfrom the predetermined frequency of the audio data will reveal anyoffset of the PUA's clock from the standard. The test results can beused either by system 100 or by PUA 20 to compensate for any such offsetor else to disqualify the PUA for use in the research operation.

In certain embodiments, a maintenance message is communicated to the PUA20 by system 100 requesting a response therefrom identifying the user.This is useful to confirm that the PUA is being used by thepanelist/user or by another, such as another member of the panelist'shousehold. In certain ones of such embodiments, the requested responsecomprises a voice message including identifying data, such as a screenname or other alias of the user that is known to system 100. In certainones of such embodiments, the requested response is a voice signaturegathered by software running on processor 30 or extracted from aresponsive voice message from PUA 20 by processor 110 of system 100. Incertain embodiments, the requested response comprises a text message, ane-mail or a response conveyed by means of a form.

In certain ones of such embodiments, the response is requested from theuser by means of an audible or visual user identification requestmessage and requires an action of the user before it is communicated. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the requested response is communicatedby the PUA 20 automatically in response to a user identification requestmessage and without the need for the user's participation. In some ofsuch embodiments, the processor 30 runs software that automaticallyextracts a voiceprint for a current user of the PUA which is sent as theresponsive message. In some of such embodiments, the user is asked orrequired to enter user identification data in the PUA 20 when turning onthe cellular telephone, and/or from time to time, and the useridentification data is stored by storage 50 pending receipt of a useridentification request message. The PUA 20 responds to the useridentification request message from system 100 by communicating the useridentification data to system 100. In certain embodiments, PUA 20 storescurrent user identification data and communicates it to system 100without the need for any message from system 100 requesting suchidentification data. Such communications are made in response to theoccurrence of a condition, such as storage of current useridentification data in storage 50, passage of time, occurrence of apredetermined time, application of power to the PUA, detection ofmovement of the PUA or use of the PUA.

In certain embodiments, data identifying the PUA 20 and the user iscommunicated from the PUA 20 or otherwise by the user and is stored bysystem 100 in storage 130 prior to communicating the maintenance messageto enable a determination that the user of the PUA is the panelist. Whenthe response to the maintenance message is communicated by the PUA 20and received by system 100, it is compared with the previously storeddata to determine the user's identity.

In certain embodiments, a maintenance message is communicated by system100 to the PUA 20 requesting demographic or other user-specific data orhousehold data. This is useful to update such information from time totime, or to follow up an initial request for such information that didnot prompt a complete response. In certain ones of such embodiments,then, a prior message is communicated from the PUA or otherwise from theuser to system 100 to convey demographic or other user-specific data orhousehold data to be stored in storage 130.

In certain embodiments, the maintenance message communicated by system100 comprises a request for system data concerning the PUA 20. Such datais useful, for example, to determine whether research data softwarerunning in the PUA needs to be updated and, if so, which updates toprovide. It is useful also to determine whether the functions and/orcapabilities of the PUA 20 have changed, such as by installation ofsoftware from a third party, or whether the PUA 20 has been replaced bythe user. In certain ones of such embodiments, the system data isrequested from the user, while in others the system data is requesteddirectly from the PUA 20 by system 100 without the need to involve theuser.

In certain embodiments, the maintenance message comprises a command orrequest communicated by system 100 for the PUA to carry out a researchoperation. This is useful where, for example, it is desired to modifythe type, quality or extent of the research data gathered or stored bymeans of the PUA, or else to reactivate a data gathering, storage and/orcommunication function of the PUA that had previously been disabled orotherwise been made unavailable (for example, where a modification ofits software disabled such function or the PUA had been replaced with anew PUA). It is also useful for managing communications of research datafrom the PUA, so that they occur at times or under conditions determinedby system 100, or else to provide an address for communicating suchdata. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA responds to themaintenance message by communicating research data to system 100 and/orby communicating an acknowledgement to system 100 that it has receivedthe maintenance message and/or carried out a requested operation. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the system 100 stores data identifyingthe PUA 20 and its user/panelist before communicating the maintenancemessage. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA responds to themaintenance message by communicating a message to system 100 indicatingan ability and/or availability thereof to carry out a researchoperation.

FIG. 2 illustrates PUA 20 coupled by its communications 40 withcommunications 210 of a research system 200 comprising a microphone 220,a processor 230 coupled with microphone 220 and with communications 210by a wired or wireless link. Research system 200 in certain embodimentscomprises storage 240 coupled with processor 230.

In certain embodiments research system 200 is housed separately from PUA20 and is physically separated therefrom, but both are carried on theperson of a panelist. In certain embodiments, research system 200 ishoused separately from PUA 20 but is either (1) affixed to an exteriorsurface thereof, (2) carried by or in a common container or carriagedevice with PUA 20, (3) carried by or in a cover of PUA 20 (such as adecorative “skin”), or (4) arranged to contain PUA 20. In certainembodiments, PUA 20 and research system 200 are contained by a commonhousing.

In certain ones of such embodiments, processor 230 of research system200 serves to read ancillary codes and/or extract signatures from audiodata transduced by the microphone 220. Certain ones of these embodimentscommunicate the ancillary codes that have been read and/or thesignatures that have been extracted to the PUA 20 by communications 210for storage and/or communication from the PUA.

In certain ones of these embodiments, storage 240 serves to store theancillary codes and/or signatures for subsequent communication to thePUA 20.

In certain ones of such embodiments, research system 200 serves to storeaudio data transduced by the microphone 220 in storage 240, andsubsequently communicates the audio data to PUA 20 via communications210. PUA 20 processes the audio data as described hereinabove to produceresearch data therefrom.

In certain ones of such embodiments, research system 200 receives audiodata from PUA 20 via communications 210 and processor 230 serves toproduce research data from the audio data which either is stored instorage 240 and subsequently communicated to PUA 20 by communications210 or communicated thereby without prior storage in research system200.

In certain ones of such embodiments, processor 230 of research system200 receives presentation data and/or metadata of the presentation datafrom PUA 20 via communications 210 and processes the presentation dataand/or metadata to produce research data therefrom. Such presentationdata and metadata is received by PUA 20 in a form other than acousticdata such as electrical or electromagnetic data. Research system 200either stores such research data in storage 240 and subsequentlycommunicates it to PUA 20 by communications 210, or communicates theresearch data to PUA 20 by communications 210 without prior storage inresearch system 200.

In certain embodiments of research system 200, processor 230 adds a timeand/or date stamp to research data, media data, presentation data ormetadata of one of the foregoing received, produced, stored orcommunicated thereby.

In certain ones of such embodiments, research system 200 receives audiodata, presentation data and/or metadata of one of the foregoing from PUA20 via communications 210 and stores the received data in storage 240.Subsequently, system 200 reads the stored data from storage 240 andcommunicates it to PUA 20 which either processes it to produce researchdata therefrom or communicates it to a processing facility for producingresearch data

FIG. 2A illustrates a research data monitor 72 affixed to an outersurface 21 of a PUA 20A, wherein the monitor 72 is operative to gatherresearch data and communicate it to PUA 20A. PUA 20A is illustrated inthe block diagram of FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG. 2B, PUA 20A comprises thesame elements as PUA 20 of FIG. 1, except that research data source 96is omitted from the embodiment of FIG. 2B.

Research data monitor 72 is illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 2C.The research data monitor 72 comprises a processor 74 that is operativeto exercise overall control of the monitor 72 and to process data fortransmission or reception and communications 82 coupled to the processor74 and operative under the control of processor 74 to perform thosefunctions required for conducting communications with PUA 20A. Incertain embodiments, processor 74 comprises two or more processingdevices, such as a first processing device (such as a digital signalprocessor) that processes research data, such as audio data, and asecond processing device that exercises overall control over operationof the monitor 72. In certain embodiments, processor 74 employs a singleprocessing device. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionsof processor 74 are implemented by software, while in other embodiments,the functions of processor 74 are implemented in hardwired circuitrywithout the use of software.

In certain embodiments, communications 82 establishes and maintains awireless communication link with communications 40 of PUA 20A, using aBluetooth™ protocol, a ZigBee™ protocol, an inductive link, a capacitivelink, an RF link, infrared link, or otherwise. In certain embodiments,communications 82 communicates with communications 40 using a wiredlink, such as a USB interface, a Firewire® interface, a connection to aplug or jack of the PUA 20A or an internal connection to PUA 20A.

Research data monitor 72 further comprises a research data source 76coupled with processor 74. In certain embodiments, research data monitor72 comprises a microphone that serves to transduce acoustic energy forprocessing by processor 74 to produce research data. In certainembodiments, research data source 76 comprises a keypad that enables theuser to input data, such as channel or station data, user identificationdata or another kind of research data. In certain embodiments, monitor72 comprises an RF receiver and/or infrared radiation detector. Incertain embodiments, monitor 72 comprises a location data producingdevice or function providing data indicating a location of the monitor72. Various devices appropriate for use as research data source 76include a satellite location signal receiver, a terrestrial locationsignal receiver, a wireless networking device that receives locationdata from a network, an inertial location monitoring device and alocation data producing service provided by a PUA service provider. Incertain embodiments, monitor 76 comprises a device or function formonitoring exposure to print media, for determining whether the user isat home or out of home, for monitoring exposure to products, exposure todisplays (such as outdoor advertising), presence within or nearcommercial establishments, or for gathering research data (such asconsumer attitude, preference or opinion data) through theadministration of a survey to the user of the PUA 20A. In certainembodiments, monitor 76 comprises one or more devices for receiving,sensing or detecting data useful in implementing one or more of theforegoing functions, other research data gathering functions and/or forproducing data ancillary to functions of gathering, storing and/orcommunicating research data, such as data indicating whether thepanelist has complied with predetermined rules governing the activity oran extent of such compliance. Such devices include, but are not limitedto, motion detectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors, proximitydetectors, satellite positioning signal receivers, RFID readers, RFreceivers, wireless networking transceivers, wireless device couplingtransceivers, pressure detectors, deformation detectors, electric fieldsensors, magnetic field sensors, optical sensors, electrodes, and thelike.

Monitor 72 further comprises storage 78 coupled with processor 74 andoperative to store data as needed. In certain embodiments, storage 78comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises multiplestorage devices. In certain embodiments, a single device implementscertain functions of both processor 74 and storage 78.

FIG. 2D illustrates an embodiment of research data monitor 72 fabricatedon a substrate 83, such as a printed circuit board or a flexiblesubstrate comprising paper, plastic or the like, on which certainelements of monitor 72 are printed on substrate 83. Power source 86comprises a battery (either rechargeable or non-rechargeable) or acharge storage device such as a capacitor, printed on substrate 83. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 2D, communications 82 comprises an RFtransceiver, such as a Bluetooth™ transceiver, a ZigBee™ transceiver orother RF transceiver. An antenna 92 is printed on substrate 83 andcoupled with communications 82. It will be appreciated that monitor 72can be fabricated to have a very thin profile and very low weight, sothat it may be affixed to the enclosure of a cellular telephone, a PDAor other PUA that is carried on the person of a participant, withoutadding substantially to its size or weight. In certain embodiments, themonitor 72 is carried by a cover for the PUA (such as a decorative“skin”). In certain embodiments, monitor 72 is housed in or carried by adevice separate from the PUA and adapted to be carried with the personof a panelist who carries the PUA.

FIG. 2E is a block diagram of a PUA comprising a personal communicationdevice adapted to be carried on the person of a participant (such as aPDA, Blackberry® device, pager, notebook computer, walkie talkie, or thelike) having a processor 94, and communications 95, user data source 96and storage 97 coupled with processor 94. A research data gatheringdevice 72, adapted to be carried on the person of a participant, isoperative to gather research data and communicate the same wirelessly tocommunications 95 of the personal communication device for subsequentcommunication by the personal communication device to a research dataprocessing facility. In certain embodiments, the research data gatheringdevice 72 is separate from the personal communication device, so that itis carried by the participant separately therefrom. In certain ones ofsuch embodiments, the device 72 is contained in a PUA such as an articleof jewelry, an article of clothing, a fob, a wristwatch or other PUA. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the device 72 is contained in its ownenclosure and is carried on a lanyard to be worn about the participant'sneck or provided with a pin, clasp or belt clip for attachment to anarticle of the participant's clothing.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a personal digital assistant (PDA) 300modified to gather research data. The PDA comprises a processor 310 thatis operative to exercise overall control and to process data for, amongother purposes, transmission or reception by the PDA and communications320 coupled to the processor 310 and operative under the control ofprocessor 310 to perform those functions required for establishing andmaintaining two-way communications over a network (not shown forpurposes of simplicity and clarity).

In certain embodiments, processor 310 comprises two or more processingdevices, such as a first processing device that exercises overallcontrol over operation of the PDA 300 and a second processing devicethat performs certain more specific operations such as digital signalprocessing. In certain embodiments, processor 310 employs a singleprocessing device. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionsof processor 310 are implemented by hardwired circuitry.

PDA 300 further comprises storage 330 coupled with processor 310 andoperative to store software that runs on processor 310, as well astemporary data as needed. In certain embodiments, storage 330 comprisesa single storage device, while in others it comprises multiple storagedevices. In certain embodiments, a single device implements certainfunctions of both processor 310 and storage 330.

PDA 300 also includes a user input 340 coupled with processor 310, suchas a keypad, to enter commands and data, as well as a display 350coupled with processor 310 to provide data visually to the user underthe control of processor 310.

In certain embodiments, the PDA 300 provides additional functions and/orcomprises additional elements. In certain embodiments, PDA 300 providescellular telephone functionality, and comprises a microphone 370, aswell as an ability of communications 320 to communicate wirelessly witha cell of a cellular telephone network, to enable its operation as acellular telephone. Where PDA 300 possesses cellular telephonefunctionality, in certain embodiments PDA 300 is employed to gather,store and/or communicate research data, such as by storing appropriateresearch software in storage 330 to run on processor 310.

In certain embodiments, communications 320 of PDA 300 provides wirelesscommunications via Bluetooth protocol, ZigBee™ protocol, wireless LANprotocol, infrared data link, inductive link or the like, to a network,network host or other device, and/or through a cable to such a network,network host or other device. In such embodiments, PDA 300 is employedto gather, store and/or communicate research data, such as by storingappropriate research software in storage 330 to run on processor 310.

In certain embodiments, the PDA is provided with a research data source360 coupled by a wired or wireless coupling with processor 310 for usein gathering further or alternative research data to be communicated toa research organization. In certain ones of these embodiments, theresearch data source 360 comprises a location data producing device orfunction providing data indicating a location of the PDA 300. Variousdevices appropriate for use as source 360 include a satellite locationsignal receiver, a terrestrial location signal receiver, a wirelessnetworking device that receives location data from a network, aninertial location monitoring device and a location data producingservice provided by a cellular telephone service provider. In certainones of these embodiments, research data source 360 comprises a deviceor function for monitoring exposure to print media, for determiningwhether the user is at home or out of home, for monitoring exposure toproducts, exposure to displays (such as outdoor advertising), presencewithin or near commercial establishments, or for gathering research data(such as consumer attitude, preference or opinion data) through theadministration of a survey to the user of the PDA 300. In certain onesof these embodiments, research data source 360 comprises one or moredevices for receiving, sensing or detecting data useful in implementingone or more of the foregoing functions, other research data gatheringfunctions and/or for producing data ancillary to functions of gathering,storing and/or communicating research data, such as data indicatingwhether the panelist has complied with predetermined rules governing theactivity or an extent of such compliance. Such devices include, but arenot limited to, motion detectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors,proximity detectors, satellite positioning signal receivers, RFIDreaders, RF receivers, wireless networking transceivers, wireless devicecoupling transceivers, pressure detectors, deformation detectors,electric field sensors, magnetic field sensors, optical sensors,electrodes, and the like.

In addition, PDA 300 comprises a microphone 370 coupled with processor310 to transduce the user's voice to an electrical signal which itsupplies to processor 310 for encoding, and a speaker and/or earphone380 coupled with processor 310 to transduce received audio fromprocessor 310 to an acoustic output to be heard by the user. PDA 300also includes a user input 340 coupled with processor 310, such as akeypad, to enter telephone numbers and other control data, as well as adisplay 350 coupled with processor 310 to provide data visually to theuser under the control of processor 310.

In addition, PDA 300 comprises a personal communication device adaptedto be carried on the person of a participant having a processor 310, andcommunications 320, and storage 330 coupled with processor 310. Aresearch data source 360, adapted to be carried on the person of aparticipant, is operative to gather research data and communicate thesame wirelessly to communications 320 of the personal communicationdevice for subsequent communication by the personal communication deviceto a research data processing facility. In certain embodiments, researchdata source 360 comprises a microphone for receiving ambient acousticenergy and producing a corresponding electrical signal that is processedeither by research data source 360 to read ancillary codes therein orextract signatures therefrom, or is instead processed for doing so byprocessor 310. In certain embodiments, the research data source 360 isseparate from the personal communication device, so that it is carriedby the participant separately therefrom. In certain ones of suchembodiments, the research data source 360 is contained in a PUA such asan article of jewelry, an article of clothing, a fob, a wristwatch orother PUA. In certain ones of such embodiments, the research data source360 is contained in its own enclosure and is carried on a lanyard to beworn about the participant's neck or provided with a pin, clasp or beltclip for attachment to an article of the participant's clothing.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an external storage device 400, such as aportable storage drive, modified to gather research data. A storage 430,such as a flash memory, serves to store data for use by the user as wellas research data. Access to storage 430 is controlled by a processor410. In certain embodiments, storage 430 is partitioned into a portionused to store user data and a further portion used to store researchdata (as well as research software, if necessary, to run on processor410). In certain embodiments, processor 410 dynamically partitionsstorage 430 into sections as needed so that each stores either user dataor research data (and/or research software). Storage device 400 alsocomprises communications 420 coupled with processor 410 to receive datato be written in storage 430 and to communicate data read from storage430. Communications 420 in certain embodiments communicates data bymeans of a connection, such as a USB interface, while in otherscommunicates its data wirelessly, for example, by means of a Bluetoothprotocol, wireless LAN protocol, infrared data link, inductive link orthe like.

Storage device 400 also comprises a research data source 440 thatprovides research data to be stored in storage 430 and communicated tosystem 100 via communications 420. In certain embodiments, research datasource 430 comprises an acoustic transducer, such as a microphone, andprocessing (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) to produceaudio data in compressed or uncompressed form to be stored in storage430 under the control of processor 410. In certain embodiments,ancillary codes in the audio data are decoded by processing in researchdata source 440 and/or signatures are extracted from the audio datathereby to be stored in storage 430. In certain embodiments other oradditional types of research data are gathered by source 440, such asthose described hereinabove.

In certain embodiments, storage device 400 employs external power towrite and read user data via communications 420, as in the case of a USBinterface. In such embodiments, research data source 440 includes apower source (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity), such asa rechargeable battery, to provide power for operating research datasource 440 and writing research data to the storage 430 while storagedevice 400 is not coupled to a source of external power.

In certain embodiments, communications between storage device 400 andsystem 100 of the kind described above in connection with PUA 20, areconducted without involving the user, so that a user input and displayare not required. In certain embodiments, such communications arecarried out by coupling storage device 400 with a networked host, suchas a personal computer, cellular telephone or PDA to communicate withsystem 100. Of these embodiments, in some cases a user input and displayof the networked host are used to carry out communications involvinguser interaction. In these cases, benefits for participating in aresearch operation to gather, store and/or communicate research datathat require the user to carry the storage device 400 on his or herperson, can be provided via the networked host or otherwise.

FIG. 5 illustrates a pen 500 in phantom lines. A research datacollection system 510 is contained within pen 500 and serves to gatherresearch data of audio data to which a user carrying the pen is exposed.FIG. 6 is a block diagram of research data collection system 510.

With reference both to FIGS. 5 and 6, the research data collectionsystem 510 includes a research data source 520 and a processor 530. Theresearch data source 520 is coupled with processor 530 to provideresearch data therefrom or data from which research data may beproduced. In certain embodiments, research data source 520 comprises amicrophone operative to transduce acoustic energy to which a user of thepen 500 is exposed while carrying the pen to produce audio data. In suchembodiments, processor 530 either stores the audio data or a compressedversion thereof as research data in a storage 540 of the system 510coupled with the processor 530, or extracts research data therefrom,such as data represented by an ancillary code of the audio data and/or asignature of the audio data which it stores in storage 540.

In certain embodiments, processor 530 comprises two or more processingdevices, such as a first processing device that exercises overallcontrol over operation of the system 510 and a second processing devicethat performs certain more specific operations such as digital signalprocessing. In certain embodiments, processor 530 employs a singleprocessing device. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionsof processor 530 are implemented by hardwired circuitry. In certainembodiments, storage 540 comprises a single storage device, while inothers it comprises multiple storage devices. In certain embodiments, asingle device implements certain functions of both processor 530 andstorage 540.

System 510 of pen 500 also includes communications 550 coupled withprocessor 530 to communicate stored research data to system 100 of FIG.1B, as well as to receive communications therefrom and communicate othertypes of communications thereto of the kind described hereinabove forsetting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating aresearch operation with the use of the pen 500. In certain embodiments,communications 550 serves to establish a wireless communications linkwith a host or device on a network to conduct such communications, whilein certain embodiments, system 510 serves as a host or device on anetwork for conducting such communications. In certain embodiments,communications 550 communicates with system 100 via a separate PUAhaving the ability to communicate with system 100. In certain ones ofsuch embodiments communications 550 establishes a wireless link with theseparate PUA according to a Bluetooth™ or ZigBee™ communicationsstandard.

System 510 of pen 500 further includes compliance detection 560 thatoperates to detect data useful in determining whether the user is incompliance with rules governing the research operation. In certainembodiments, compliance detection 560 comprises a motion detector, atemperature sensor and/or a proximity detector and is coupled withprocessor 530 to provide its data thereto. Processor 530 processes suchdata to determine whether the pen is being carried by the user atprescribed times. System 510 also includes a compliance indicator 570coupled with processor 530 which processor 530 controls to provide tothe user an indication whether the user is in compliance with rules forthe research operation concerning carriage of the pen. In certainembodiments, the indicator 570 comprises a light, such as an LED, thatprovides a visual indication of compliance or non-compliance under thecontrol of processor 530. In certain embodiments, the indicator 570comprises an audio transducer that produces sound under the control ofprocessor 530 to indicate such compliance or non-compliance. Additionaldisclosures of compliance determination and indication techniquessuitable for use in the various embodiments disclosed herein areprovided by U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276 to Brooks, et al., assigned to theassignee of the present application and incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

In certain embodiments, system 510 is powered by a rechargeable battery(not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity). In such embodiments,recharging terminals 580 are provided for connecting system 510 to anexternal source of power for recharging such battery. In certain ones ofsuch embodiments, the pen 510 is placed in a cradle of a base station(not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) where the terminals580 contact terminals of the base station where recharging power issupplied. Appropriate base stations for this purpose are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276, referenced above.

Various illustrative PUA's are presented herein, such as cellulartelephones, PDA's, portable storage devices, pens, and notebookcomputers. As previously discussed, however, many different types ofdevices, electronic and non-electronic, may be employed as a PUA inaccordance with various embodiments described herein. For example, abelt buckle, ring, watch, shoe, etc., may be retrofitted with technologythat implements a designated secondary function to enable the gatheringof research data. Thus, the scope hereof is not limited to devices thathave technical features or technical capabilities as their primary oronly function.

In general, the embodiments described herein employ PUA's for thepurpose of carrying out research operations, which are also the kinds ofdevices or articles that individuals have already freely chosen to useor carry for other purposes beneficial to them. Hence, recruited panelmembers are not burdened with the task of carrying around a device thatthey would otherwise not carry around. Moreover, in many embodiments,implementation of the research operation by the user's PUA istransparent to the user.

Although various embodiments have been described with reference to aparticular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are notintended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeedmany other embodiments, modifications and variations will beascertainable to those of skill in the art.

1. A method for testing an ability of a PUA and/or a research datagathering system coupled therewith to carry out a research operation,comprising: communicating a testing message to the PUA and/or theresearch data gathering system comprising at least one of a test commandfor the PUA and/or the research data gathering system to test itsability to carry out a research operation, and test data for the PUAand/or the research data gathering system to establish, enable orprovide a capability thereof to test its ability to carry out a researchoperation.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one of thetest command and the test data serves to command the PUA to conduct atest of its ability to carry out a research operation as configured atthe time of testing, or to establish, enable or provide a capabilitythereof to test its ability to carry out a research operation asconfigured at the time of testing.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theone of the test command and the test data serves to command the PUA toconduct a test of its ability to carry out a research operation ifconfigured with hardware and/or software to interact with pre-existinghardware and/or software of the PUA, or to establish, enable or providea capability thereof to test its ability to carry out a researchoperation if thus configured with hardware and/or software.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the testing message comprises test data to beprocessed by the PUA and/or the research data gathering system to testan ability thereof to carry out a research operation.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the PUA implements a function for convertingtime-domain data to frequency-domain data, and the test data comprisestime-domain data to be operated on by the function.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the test data comprises time-domain audio data.
 7. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the PUA includes a clock and the test data isprovided for testing an operational characteristic of the clock.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, comprising, in response to the test command,conducting an operation of the PUA and/or the research data gatheringsystem to test its ability to carry out a research operation.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, comprising processing the test data to provide acapability of the PUA and/or the research data gathering system to testits ability to carry out a research operation.
 10. The method of claim9, wherein the test data comprises software for running on a processorof the PUA and/or the research data gathering system, and processing thetest data comprises storing the software therein.
 11. A methodimplemented in a PUA and/or in a research data gathering system coupledtherewith for testing an ability of at least one thereof to carry out aresearch operation, comprising: receiving a testing message in at leastone of the PUA and the research data gathering system, the testingmessage comprising at least one of a test command for the PUA and/or theresearch data gathering system to test its ability to carry out aresearch operation, and test data for the PUA and/or the research datagathering system to establish, enable or provide a capability thereof totest its ability to carry out a research operation; and carrying out atest of the ability of the PUA and/or the research data gathering systemto carry out a research operation based on the at least one of the testcommand and the test data.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the testis carried out when production of data indicates one of a faultyoperation and an inoperative state.
 13. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising communicating the results to a processing facility.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the testing message comprises test data tobe processed by the PUA to test its ability thereof to carry out aresearch operation.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the researchdata gathering system comprises a function for converting time-domaindata to frequency-domain data, and the test data comprises time-domaindata to be operated on by the function.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein the test data comprises time-domain audio data.
 17. The methodof claim 14, wherein the PUA includes a clock and the test data isprovided for testing an operational characteristic of the clock.
 18. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the testing message comprises a testcommand, and comprising, in response to the test command, conducting anoperation of the PUA and/or the research data gathering system to testits ability to carry out a research operation.
 19. The method of claim11, comprising processing the test data to provide a capability of thePUA and/or the research data gathering system to test its ability tocarry out a research operation.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein thetest data comprises software for running on a processor of the PUAand/or the research data processing system and processing the test datacomprises storing the software therein.
 21. A method of testing anability of a research data gathering system implemented in a PUA, orcoupled therewith, to carry out a research operation, comprising:conducting a test of the research data gathering system to produce testresults data indicating an ability of the research data gathering systemto carry out a research operation; and communicating the test resultsdata from the PUA to a test data processing facility.
 22. The method ofclaim 21, comprising conducting the test in response to the occurrenceof a predetermined event.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein thepredetermined event comprises receipt of a test request message by thePUA and/or the research data gathering system coupled therewith.
 24. Themethod of claim 22, wherein the predetermined event comprises theoccurrence of an operational condition within the research datagathering system.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein the predeterminedevent comprises the occurrence of a predetermined time.
 26. The methodof claim 21, comprising receiving test data in the PUA and/or theresearch data gathering system coupled therewith for use in conductingthe test.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the research datagathering system comprises a time domain to frequency domain conversionfunction, the test data comprises data having a predetermined frequencycontent, and conducting the test comprises supplying the test data tothe conversion function and gathering frequency data as an output of theconversion function.